Princeton University Athletics
Field Hockey Plays Host to Another Big Weekend
September 12, 2003 | Field Hockey
Sept. 12, 2003
The Princeton field hockey team, which debuted at No. 10 in the first STX/NFHCA rankings of the season, puts that ranking on the line with two big games at The Class of 1952 Stadium this weekend.
On Saturday, the 10th-ranked Tigers (2-0) host Yale (1-1) in the Ivy League opener for both schools. Game time is noon. Princeton, which has won nine straight Ivy League championships, has defeated the Bulldogs each of the past 18 seasons
Sunday afternoon's 1 p.m. matchup with fourth-ranked Penn State (4-0) is a rematch of last year's NCAA quarterfinal game, won 3-2 by the Nittany Lions at home in State College, Pa. The Tigers defeated Penn State in the Lions' last visit to 1952 Stadium, however, a 3-1 victory during the 2000 season.
Princeton vs. Yale; Sept. 13, 2003; noon
Princeton vs. Penn State; Sept. 14, 2003; 1 p.m.
A Big Weekend... The Tigers, nine-time defending Ivy League champions, look to make it 60 wins in their last 61 league games when Yale visits for the conference opener Saturday. Princeton then hosts fourth-ranked Penn State, the team that knocked the Tigers out of the 2002 NCAA tournament, to conclude the weekend Sunday afternoon. Pulling Rank The Tigers were ranked No. 10 (tied with Connecticut) in the first STX/NFHCA national poll released Tuesday (see poll on right). Wake Forest, last year's national champion, was ranked No. 1 in the poll.
We're Honored Princeton swept the Ivy League's weekly awards for games ending Sept. 7. Senior captain Claire Miller, who scored key goals against both Virginia and Drexel, was named the league's Player of the Week. Freshman goalie Allison Nemeth, who had five saves against Virginia in her first collegiate game, was named the Ivy League's Rookie of the Week.
Beating the Bulldogs The Tigers have defeated Yale 18 consecutive years and 25 times in 30 all-time meetings. Yale's last victory over Princeton came during the 1977 season.
On Schedule Penn State is one of four teams on the Tigers' schedule currently ranked in the Top 10 in the STX/NFHCA poll. In addition to the Nittany Lions, Princeton plays No. 3 Maryland, No. 6 Old Dominion (twice) and No. 10 Connecticut. Yale Update The Bulldogs began the season with a 3-2 overtime loss to Sacred Heart before hosting Rhode Island Wednesday night. Elizabeth Topp and Meredith Howell scored goals for Yale, while Krissy Nesburg had 10 saves in goal.
Lions Roaring Penn State opened the season with three victories, including two over Top 10 teams, before playing at Temple Wednesday and at Lafayette Saturday. The Nittany Lions have wins over sixth-ranked Old Dominion and 10th-ranked Connecticut in addition to a 5-0 win against West Chester.